All good advice about using the ATMs.

But things go wrong -- computers crash, wallets stolen, whatever -- so I always try to arrive anywhere with about the equivalent of US$50 in local currency.

And I always keep back about the same amount if I have any expectation of going back to that country.

Right now, I have pounds sterling, euros and Australian dollars in my desk. I often trade these "starter packs" with friends, and was even able to acquire Hungarian forints this way last year.

Try asking around on your campus. You might well find someone willing to sell a small quantiy of Euros, especially if you promise to bring some back to sell them.